Poem *Li Sao* (離騷)
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Writer AndyKim
Hit 565 Hits
Date 25-01-23 16:03
Content
The *Li Sao* (離騷), or *“Encountering Sorrow”*, is a famous Chinese poem written by Qu Yuan (屈原), one of the earliest and most celebrated poets in Chinese literary history. It is a masterpiece of *Chuci* (楚辭), or the "Songs of Chu," blending mythology, personal lament, and political allegory. Below is an excerpt of the original text in Classical Chinese, along with a typical English translation:
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### **Original Text in Classical Chinese**:
長太息以掩涕兮，哀民生之多艱。
余雖好修姱以鞿羈兮，謇朝誶而夕替。
既替余以蕙纕兮，又申之以攀援。
亦余心之所善兮，雖九死其猶未悔。
怨靈修之浩蕩兮，終不察夫民心。
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### **English Translation**:
"Long did I sigh and wipe away my tears,
Grieving for the frailty of human life.
Though I cherish my integrity and virtue,
I am scorned in the morning and cast aside at night.
I wove fragrant herbs into my sash,
And added the orchids as a token of my loyalty.
What my heart cherishes is eternal;
Though I may die nine times, I will not regret it.
I resent the divine for their vast indifference,
For they fail to see the hearts of the people."
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### **Context and Themes**:
- **Lamentation and Exile:** The poem expresses Qu Yuan’s sorrow after being exiled from court due to political corruption and slander.
- **Symbolism:** The use of fragrant plants like orchids and herbs symbolizes virtue, loyalty, and purity.
- **Cosmic Allegory:** Qu Yuan blends personal grievances with mythological and celestial imagery, presenting himself as a moral and spiritual figure navigating a corrupt world.
- **Endurance:** The poet's unwavering dedication to his ideals, even in the face of death, reflects a deep moral conviction.
The *Li Sao* is a long poem, over 370 lines in its entirety, and is one of the oldest surviving works of Chinese literature. It’s filled with dense symbolism, allegorical journeys, and philosophical reflections, making it a cornerstone of Chinese poetry. If you’d like a detailed translation or analysis of specific sections, let me know!
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### **Original Text in Classical Chinese**:
長太息以掩涕兮，哀民生之多艱。
余雖好修姱以鞿羈兮，謇朝誶而夕替。
既替余以蕙纕兮，又申之以攀援。
亦余心之所善兮，雖九死其猶未悔。
怨靈修之浩蕩兮，終不察夫民心。
---
### **English Translation**:
"Long did I sigh and wipe away my tears,
Grieving for the frailty of human life.
Though I cherish my integrity and virtue,
I am scorned in the morning and cast aside at night.
I wove fragrant herbs into my sash,
And added the orchids as a token of my loyalty.
What my heart cherishes is eternal;
Though I may die nine times, I will not regret it.
I resent the divine for their vast indifference,
For they fail to see the hearts of the people."
---
### **Context and Themes**:
- **Lamentation and Exile:** The poem expresses Qu Yuan’s sorrow after being exiled from court due to political corruption and slander.
- **Symbolism:** The use of fragrant plants like orchids and herbs symbolizes virtue, loyalty, and purity.
- **Cosmic Allegory:** Qu Yuan blends personal grievances with mythological and celestial imagery, presenting himself as a moral and spiritual figure navigating a corrupt world.
- **Endurance:** The poet's unwavering dedication to his ideals, even in the face of death, reflects a deep moral conviction.
The *Li Sao* is a long poem, over 370 lines in its entirety, and is one of the oldest surviving works of Chinese literature. It’s filled with dense symbolism, allegorical journeys, and philosophical reflections, making it a cornerstone of Chinese poetry. If you’d like a detailed translation or analysis of specific sections, let me know!